IT’S still early in the season but Callum Smith admits he’s already hit targets that were merely a dream a few months back.

Two Scotland under-19 call-ups, 14 top-team appearances, three goals and links with clubs in England have all been packed into a whirlwind start to the campaign for the talented Pars kid.

His rise to prominence, which saw him add to appearances in last month’s international tournament in Serbia by coming on as a substitute in a friendly with France, has ensured plenty of attention but the 17-year-old insists he’ll remain firmly grounded.

That’s because it wasn’t so long ago that Smith, who has reportedly attracted the interest of West Bromwich Albion and Bristol City, was playing boys club football at Pitreavie.

He said: “We’re only a quarter of the way into the season so it’s mental how quick everything has happened.

“I’ve been away with Scotland twice and scored a few goals with the first team. I wouldn’t have dreamed of that last season.

“In the 4-5 days that I was away with Scotland, I did hope to start the first game (Scotland had two friendlies with France) and to be honest I was a wee bit gutted I didn’t.

“It was a good experience. France were all big guys and one of their players plays for Borussia Dortmund, some are with PSG and Monaco, and I was thinking that I play for Dunfermline!

“The difference was mad but I thought we did really well and gave them a good game. Not a lot of people get the chance so to be called up again shows that the manager does rate me as a player.

“I think I might have started the second game but the gaffer phoned and wanted me back.

“I came back and started, which was a good thing, especially in a big game against Falkirk.”

On being linked with other clubs, he continued: “I’m not really thinking about that. I have taken it as a confidence boost to know teams might be looking but it might not even be true.

“I just need to keep working hard and my main objectives are to play more for Dunfermline and, hopefully, be called up again for Scotland.”

Allan Johnston kept faith with Smith for Saturday’s scoreless draw at Queen of the South, deploying him in an unnatural left midfield role.

He said: “I think it can only help me because it gives the manager a choice. He knows I can play there and it gives me more chance of playing!”